The Bears used their ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select wide receiver Rome Odunze with a focus on what he can contribute to their offense. However, it appears Odunze may also have an impact on special teams.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower praised Odunze as a versatile player, highlighting an impressive 83-yard punt return touchdown that earned him a Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week award despite limited punt return experience in college. According to Hightower, Odunze is a valuable player on all four downs of the game.
While Odunze’s potential as a returner is evident, his role on the Bears’ special teams is still up in the air. When asked about Odunze’s chances of becoming the team’s starting punt returner, Hightower remained tight-lipped but acknowledged that Odunze is a strong contender for the role. Hightower emphasized that the best player will ultimately win the job.
The Bears must weigh the potential benefits of Odunze’s special teams contributions against the risks of injury. Odunze has shown the ability to make impactful plays in the return game, but the team may need to carefully consider how they choose to utilize him on special teams.